As Chicago P.D. gears up for the premiere of Season 13, fans noticed a familiar face back on set.
Jesee Lee Soffer, who played Jay Halstead for ten seasons on the police procedural, is making a comeback, but it’s not in the way that you think.
Soffer’s departure was one of the most impactful ones for fans, and many never got over his decision to leave the series.
Following his exit, the 41-year-old actor had a season-long stint on FBI: International, which saw him spending plenty of time in Europe (and sharing plenty of swoonworthy updates with former PD co-star and on-screen wife Tracy Spiridakos, who played Haley Upton), before the series was abruptly cancelled.
And now that his schedule has freed up once more, Soffer has proven that he’s unable to completely cut ties with the Dick Wolf series, which is likely a good thing, as there aren’t many people who know the show better than he does.
Soffer’s return to the Windy City and Intelligence was first revealed by Chicago P.D.’s longtime producer—and Soffer’s good friend—Brian Luce.
In a snap shared to Instagram, Soffer can be seen sitting behind Luce’s desk, with plenty of PD memorabilia in the background, with the caption, “Remember the 3 little bears. WELL someone’s been sitting in my chair!!!”
The actor propped up his chin with his fist, smiling coyly at the camera, as if he knew the news was about to delight One Chicago fans. However, he’s not returning to Chicago P.D. Season 13 as Halstead—he’ll be hopping into the director’s chair for the fourth episode of the season.
In another video shared by Luce, he informs fans that Soffer is “back” for roughly eight days, writing, “My Bestie is back in the big-boy directors chair and I couldn’t be more happy!!!”
Director Soffer Is Back Again
This isn’t Soffer’s first time directing Chicago P.D.
Season 10 Episode 16, titled “Deadlocked,” marked his directorial debut, and following his exit, he returned to direct Season 11 Episode 12, titled “Inventory.”.
Soffer previously admitted it felt “natural” to go from actor to director, telling NBC that he “definitely would not say no” to directing again.
“It was actually an easier transition than I thought it was going to be just because it’s such a tight-knit family there,” he previously told Parade.
Fans Are Saying the Same Thing About Jesse Lee Soffer’s Chicago P.D. Return
Fans seemed thrilled that the series was in capable hands, with one writing, “The mighty duo are back together again 💙💙”
Others simply expressed their desire to see Soffer return in front of the screen as well, stating, “wish he was back on our screens too! can’t wait to see what y’all come up with!! we love the one chicago fam!”
The comments continued, “Bromance can never be separated for too long. So happy you back together. 🥰” and “Looks like he’s feeling so at home… maybe he won’t want to leave… 🙏🏻🥹🎬.”
Will Jesse Lee Soffer Ever Return to Chicago P.D.?
Soffer’s character was beloved by many, so it’s natural that they want to see him reunite with Intelligence, but is it something that he’d consider down the line? The fact that he has such a great relationship with the cast and crew is promising for a potential return, and to quote Soffer himself, “Never say never.”
In an interview with Parade, he revealed, “I would be open to it. It’s up to the writers and it’s whatever they need to do to service the characters. Obviously, I love Halstead, always will, so if something came up, I would probably be open to it.”
All three One Chicago shows—Chicago Med, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire—return to NBC on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
